Alexander Inn again makes ‘endangered’ list in Oak Ridge

One of Oak Ridge’s oldest buildings has once again been named one of East Tennessee’s most endangered places. The Alexander Inn was built in 1943 during the Manhattan Project.

by Beverly Majors

One of Oak Ridge’s oldest buildings has once again been named one of East Tennessee’s most endangered places. The Alexander Inn was built in 1943 during the Manhattan Project.

The East Tennessee Preservation Alliance announced the 2013 East Tennessee’s Endangered Heritage list of jeopardized historic buildings and places in the region’s 16-county region on Monday at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville.

The wood-framed Alexander Inn, also known as the “Guest House,” is similar to many other World War II “H-plan” buildings. It served as guest quarters during the top-secret Manhattan Project. At that time, a number of dignitaries including Enrico Fermi, Robert Oppenheimer and Gen. Leslie Groves stayed at the Inn.

In 1949, a 44-room addition was completed to accommodate the expanding Oak Ridge community and in September 1950, the name changed to the Alexander Inn. It was sold to a private owner in 1958.

For a number of years, it remained in private ownership and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Despite its listing, its condition deteriorated and soon it was in serious disrepair.

According to an ETPA news release, the ETPA worked diligently with the city of Oak Ridge and the Department of Energy to secure a grant to purchase and stabilize the historic Alexander Inn as part of the mitigation for the demolition of the East Tennessee Technology Park (known as K-25). ETPA is working with a local company, Family Pride, who intends to purchase and redevelop the building for assisted living facility.

“The restored property will not only better serve the community by contributing higher, local property taxes but it will also retain its legacy as one of the most significant, privately-owned buildings in Oak Ridge,” ETPA officials stated in the release. “Unfortunately, until the transaction is complete, the Alexander Inn’s future remains undetermined.” ETPA hopes to close on the property in the near future and work will begin at the site soon thereafter, the release said.

The Oak Ridge City Council approved a 90 percent, 10-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) for the Family Pride Corp. of Loudon and InSite Development Corp. of Knoxville for the proposed renovation of the historic Guest House to make it a senior living facility.

This marks the fourth list of endangered historic places selected by the ETPA board of directors from nominations received from members and the general public, the release said. The Alexander Inn has made the list several times. Preservation strategies are developed for each site on the list and can include working with current property owners, government officials, citizens and/or potential new owners to preserve these important parts of East Tennessee’s heritage. In some cases, ETPA will organize volunteer work days to help stabilize and protect sites.

“East Tennessee Preservation Alliance partners with community leaders, organizations, and businesses across the region to find preservation solutions for the endangered properties identified for the annual list and encourage the communities across the region to join in efforts to save our endangered heritage,” the release said.

The East Tennessee Preservation Alliance works to protect places and structures with historic or cultural significance in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties. It is governed by a board of directors with representatives from across the region. ETPA carries out its mission through a variety of programs and encourages community support through education and advocacy. To get involved with ETPA’s advocacy efforts, call (865) 523-8008.